Riley - A game story script

(Cinematic cutscene begins)

(Scene starts in a sparse wasteland, dry and hot, with a murky atmosphere.)

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Narrator:

Wasteland, an endless wasteland. War and pollution have made this land hard for any plant    to grow except for acidwood. Yet, people still live here, and our little friend is one of them.

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(The protagonist appears, short in stature, dressed in a windproof cloak, with a scarf wrapped around their head and goggles on. They walk through the sandstorm toward a glowing hollow.)

​

Narrator:

The wasteland is a dangerous place, where only naïve fools and skilled hunters travel alone.

​

(The protagonist reaches the hollow, finds a vantage point, and starts observing the area. There are many insect nests and glowing beetles crawling nearby.)

​

Narrator:

Glowing Crab Bug. These disgusting desert pests are mutated magical insects from industrial pollution. Their bloated abdomens are filled with corrosive glowing acid. Who knows what they’ve been eating in this wasteland to become so rampant? You wouldn’t want to get close to them; their slime will dissolve your flesh and bones. But our little friend is well-prepared...

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(The protagonist pulls out an oversized modified revolver from their holster and starts checking the ammunition and gun condition.)

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Narrator:

Large-caliber kinetic ammunition, single-action revolver. The magazine is modified into an interchangeable eight-round cylinder for quick reloads. The barrel and chamber are reinforced with lightweight alloy, allowing the firing of large-caliber hollow-point and armor-piercing rounds without sacrificing mobility. Even someone small can use it with ease. Whoever modified this gun has skill, combining precision with a deadly pursuit of perfection.

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(The protagonist stands up, holding the gun with their right hand, their left hand resting on the hammer, ready for a quick draw.)

​

??? :

One shot, one kill. Come on...

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(Cinematic cutscene ends)

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(Enter battle mode, the game briefly introduces turn-based CRPG dice-rolling mechanics. When attacking the final enemy, the player is forced to roll a failed die, missing the shot.)

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Narrator:

The bugs haven’t realized their doom is coming and continue emitting their stupid mating glow. In an instant, eight gunshots ring out, and seven fat bugs are reduced to glowing mush. Oh no, missed one...

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??? :

Damn it! How did I miss?!

​

(More bugs crawl out of the nest, and another battle scene ensues, introducing the protagonist’s first primary skill—centered on the character, an 8-bar strip-shaped attack range, damaging all enemies along the projectile path. Hits cause bullets to tumble, increasing damage on subsequent hits. The more hits, the higher the accumulated damage.)

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Narrator:

Eight more shots, and sixteen more piles of glowing mush. The remaining bugs scatter in defeat, and our little friend can now collect their loot.

​

(The protagonist removes their scarf and goggles, revealing a young girl with light-colored hair, about 14-15 years old. Her eyes are bright red, and her skin is much paler than those around her, with pointed ears. She wears baggy overalls, her hair messily tied in a bun at the back. The player is guided to move and inspect objects. Upon checking and collecting the dropped items from the bug corpses...)

​

???=Riley :

Today’s haul isn’t bad. It’s time to take these to Ural. There’s a shortcut south that leads back to the Cozy Bay.

 

(Players control Riley, traveling south through a narrow path leading to the entrance of a camp. A large gate made of welded alloy stands before them, with a fence made of fertilizer stretching along the side.)

​

(Independent character dialogue begins)

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Guard:

Riley! You’re back. How’s the haul?

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Riley:

Not bad. This acid will come in handy.

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Guard:

Oh, by the way, 阿乌拉 [Āwūlā] was just looking for you.

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Riley:

Oh no! I totally forgot to pick up the materials for her! I gotta run, Uncle!

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Riley:

I need to rush to the logistics station, grab the materials, and hurry back home, or Ural will be mad at me again.

​

(Independent character dialogue ends)

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(Players control Riley as she heads towards the highlighted quest marker, passing by shacks built from scrap, a wasteland-style village.)

​

Narrator:

Cozy Bay is a wanderer’s camp that appeared near the city 40 years ago. Though it was established by wanderers, it hasn’t moved in decades. Among all the outposts around DevilHunt, it’s one of the better places to be.

​

(Riley arrives at the first quest marker, a junkyard with piles of boxes and scrap metal, with a control panel standing in the middle. This panel was once the central system of a garbage disposal robot.)

(Independent character dialogue begins)

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Garbage Sorting AI:

Miss Riley, you have one package to collect. Please verify.

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Riley:

Thanks, Tin Can.

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Garbage Sorting AI:

Apologies, my current designation is ECD-024F Garbage Sorting Robot. Would you like to change my name?

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Riley:

Huh? Uh... change it?

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Tin Can:

Very well, my current designation is ECD-024F. Updating name to “Tin Can.” Data update complete. Miss Riley, it’s a pleasure to see you. I am now Tin Can.

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Riley:

Hahaha! The whole camp’s gonna know I gave you a new name!

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Riley:

Ah! I need to hurry up, grab the materials, and head back to the gun shop!

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(Independent character dialogue ends)

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(Players interact with the terminal, retrieve the forging materials, and proceed to the second glowing quest marker.)

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Narrator:

The gun shop, the place where Riley grew up. Not the best place to raise a kid, but there wasn't any better option.

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(Riley reaches the quest location, a relatively large one-story house. The front, facing the street, has a counter with a sign that simply reads “GUNS.” Players interact with the door to enter the interior scene.)

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(Cinematic cutscene begins)

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Narrator:

The shop looks quite messy, with a large orc sitting at the central workbench. Her head is adorned with ram-like horns; she’s a ram-like orc.

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Riley:

Ural, I brought the materials you ordered.

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Ural:

Just put them in the usual spot. Where were you, Riley? I couldn’t find you anywhere.

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Riley:

Uh... I went out to test the gun...

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Ural:

How many times do I have to tell you, finish your work before you go wandering off! I’ve been waiting for those materials to start the modifications!

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Riley:

Okay… I just forgot this morning...

​

Narrator:

Ural looks at Riley, who’s hanging her head, unsure what to do. Occasionally, she sneaks a glance at Ural, making it hard for him to stay angry. After all, she’s still a child—the child Ural raised on her own.

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Ural:

So... how’s the gun?

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Riley:

Amazing! Ural’s work is unbeatable!

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Narrator:

Riley suddenly throws her arms up, exaggerating her cheer, and a big smile returns to her face. The gun was a birthday gift from Ural yesterday; Riley had just turned 14. Seeing Riley’s happy expression, Ural couldn’t help but smile too. She reached out and ruffled Riley’s hair roughly, as if telling her to stop being silly.

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Ural:

Alright. Here’s some money. Go grab some lunch from Gosi. I’ll finish up my work, and then we’ll eat.

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Riley:

What should I get?

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Ural:

Whatever you like. I don’t care.

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Riley:

Oh! Awesome! Thanks, Ma... I mean, Ural!

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(Riley rushes out of the door, while the camera lingers on Ural sitting at the workbench. She watches Riley leave for a moment before turning back to her work.)

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Narrator:

Ural is Riley’s guardian. She found Riley abandoned when she was very young and raised her alone. Despite raising Riley for 15 years, Ural never allowed Riley to call her “Mom.”

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(Cinematic cutscene ends)

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(Back to Riley’s perspective. The player controls Riley as she heads to the task location. A shack with many chimneys, a bar in front, and two people sitting by the bar eating. Riley sits at the bar and taps the counter.)

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(Independent character dialogue begins)

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Gosi:

Here you are! Oh! Riley! What do you want to eat today?!

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(A stout dwarf walks up to the bar from the shack, loudly greeting Riley.)

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Riley:

Hey, Gosi, I’m here to grab lunch.

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(The dwarf leans over the counter, peering at Riley’s face.)

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Gosi:

Well, well! You seem to be in a good mood! What’s the good news?

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Riley:

Hehe... I’ve got cash today! Ural gave me some!

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(Riley slaps a few coins on the counter.)

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Gosi:

Haha! Little squirt! I thought it was something big! Come on, place your order!

​

(Enter the purchasing interface, where the player can currently only buy the two required meals.)

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Riley:

Hmm… I’ll have a Killer Rabbit Wrap with yogurt sauce and a Roasted Greenleaf Crab Bug, extra sauce. Ural likes hers with lots of sauce.

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Gosi:

Coming right up!

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(The dwarf turns to prepare the food while Riley stretches and places her gun on the counter.)

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Gosi:

By the way, Ural really is something! Everyone knows she raised you, so why doesn’t she let you call her “Mom”? If I had a daughter as clever and capable as you, I’d want you calling me ‘Dad’ every day!

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Gosi:

I don’t get orcs. When you were little and had nothing to eat, she was the one rushing over to me, begging for some military-grade nutrition gel to feed you!

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Riley:

Huh? Nutrition gel?

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Gosi:

Haha! Yeah, that goopy stuff soldiers and nearly-dead folks eat. Sweet, sticky, and you don’t even need to chew it—just suck it through a tube! Perfect for feeding a little runt like you! Hahaha!

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Riley:

Ew...

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(Independent character dialogue ends)

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(As Riley finishes ordering, two men at the bar get up to leave, leaving their coins on the table. They’re dressed like city folk, not camp residents. One of them stares at the gun on the table.)

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Stranger:

Miss, where’d you get that gun?

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Riley:

Huh? My gun? We made it at home.

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Stranger:

Made it at home? You’re that skilled at your age? You sure you didn’t steal it?

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Narrator:

Riley is taken aback by the sudden accusation but quickly blushes and shoves the gun back into its holster, fiercely defending herself.

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Riley:

“I-I didn’t steal it! My mom made it for me! My family runs a gun shop!”

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Gosi:

Hey, tall man! The kid’s telling the truth! Her mom’s an amazing gunsmith!

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Stranger:

Heh, I see. Sorry about that. I was just passing through, looking to buy a new gun, so I wanted to check if the shop was legit.

​

Narrator:

The stranger seems convinced by the undeniable tone of both Riley and Gosi, though he remains calm, smiling as he explains his suspicion. Riley, still pouting with her arms crossed, glares at the stranger, knowing every deal is precious, so she starts her sales pitch.

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Riley:

A, Are you looking to modify a gun, sir? Whether it’s a small self-defense pistol or a recoil-less railgun, we offer all sorts of modifications. Just walk straight down the street, and you’ll see the sign.

B, Not interested? It seems like you don’t trust folks around here. No worries, then. We won’t trouble you with our business.

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Narrator:

A, The stranger looks in the direction Riley pointed, nods, and walks out of the shop.

B, The stranger glances meaningfully at Riley, gives an awkward smile, and signals his companion to leave with him.

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(The dwarf returns to the bar with two packed meals.)

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Gosi:

Here! One Killer Rabbit Wrap with yogurt sauce, one Roasted Greenleaf Crab Bug with extra sauce!

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Riley:

Thanks, Gosi! I’ll be on my way now.

​

(Riley collects the food, and the player resumes controlling her to return to the gun shop.)

(Riley returns to the gun shop with the food.)

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(Independent character dialogue begins)

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Riley:

Lunch is here, Ural.

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Ural:

Mhm, I’ll finish this first. You go ahead and eat.

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Riley:

Aw, come on...

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Narrator:

Riley places the food on a small table, pulls up a chair, and sits across from Ural, resting her arms on the workbench and propping her chin on them, quietly watching Ural work.

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Riley:

Ural, I landed a new customer today!

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Ural:

A customer?

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Riley:

Yeah, there were two strangers eating at Gosi’s. They asked where I got my gun.

​

Ural:

And what did you say?

​

Riley:

Hehe! Of course, I put my sales skills to good use!

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Ural:

Mhm, more business is always good.

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Narrator:

A glint of expectation shines in Riley’s eyes, but as usual, Ural remains silent, focused on her work, without offering any praise. Riley notices Ural’s focus on the task at hand, but she’s hopeful Ural will eat with her.

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Ural:

Alright... I’ll stop here. Let’s eat.

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Riley:

Yay!

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(Riley eagerly kicks her chair back and rushes to set the food on the table.)

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Riley:

Come on, Ural! I bought Greenleaf Crab Bug, your favorite!

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Ural:

Mhm, I was just craving that.

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(The two begin eating.)

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Riley:

Ural, where were you born?

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Ural:

Why the sudden question?

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Riley:

Well… I don’t know where I was born, so I was wondering—at least you should know where your homeland is, right?

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Ural:

I was born in a wanderer’s camp on the grasslands. That’s my homeland.

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Riley:

Grasslands... What are grasslands like? Are they far from here?

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Ural:

Grasslands are like the land we’re on now, but covered in grass. They’re beautiful, and yes, very far from here.

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Riley:

So why did you come all the way here, Ural?

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Narrator:

Ural falls silent. She knows why she ended up here, but she isn’t ready to reveal the truth to Riley.

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Ural:

Money.

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Riley:

What? That’s such a boring reason! When I make enough money, Ural can go back home and rest—you won’t have to work anymore!

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Ural:

Heh, is that so?

​

(As the two eat, the sound of commotion outside the gun shop can be heard.)

(Independent character dialogue ends)

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Riley:

What’s going on? Why is it so noisy?

​

(Riley gets up and exits the gun shop, with Ural following behind her. On the street, armed guards from the wanderer’s camp are rushing toward the gate.)

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Guard A:

Get ready for battle! We’ve got trouble!

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Guard B:

Yes, sir!

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Riley:

What’s happening?

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Guard A:

Someone’s causing trouble at the gate.

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(Riley follows the crowd toward the gate, with Ural walking slowly behind her.)

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(At the gate, a large group of residents is gathered. Riley squeezes through the crowd. Outside the gate stands a squad of soldiers in exoskeleton armor, facing off with the camp’s guards. Leading them is a one-eyed male wolf-beastman officer, standing beside the man who had spoken to Riley earlier.)

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Wolfman:

We are not here to slaughter you peasants. Do not panic. We are here for one purpose—to find a ewe. Her name is Ugar. If you hand her over, we won’t kill you. I urge you to accept this offer, as we have no desire to waste time on such lowly vermin.

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Narrator:

A, The human standing beside the wolfman scans the crowd, his gaze pausing briefly on Riley’s face. He looks at her for a moment before turning his attention elsewhere.

B, The human beside the wolfman quickly scans the crowd and locks eyes on Riley. He immediately turns his head to whisper to the wolfman.

Riley:

Ah! That man... he’s the one from before! (pointing at the human)

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Narrator:

Riley turns to speak to Ural but sees only Ural’s grim face. Her lips twitch, and she stares intently at the wolfman. Riley has never seen Ural look so terrifying.

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Riley:

Ural?

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(Ural leans down.)

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Ural:

Riley, head back to the gun shop via the small path. There’s a box under the workbench. Grab it and run to the bug nest outside the camp! I’ll come find you.

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Riley:

But...

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Ural:

Don’t argue! If you don’t want to die, go now!

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(The wolfman officer, after whispering with the human, locks his gaze on Ural and Riley.)

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Wolfman:

Ugo... You traitor, I’ve finally found you...

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Ural:

Samson...

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Wolfman = Samson:

Fifteen years... You’ve been hiding for fifteen years, and I’ve been searching for fifteen years!

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Ural:

Heh, don’t you have anything better to do?

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Samson:

Orders are orders... Fifteen years may seem long to us, but to the old ones at the top, it’s just a blink of an eye. I could’ve believed you were dead by now.

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Ural:

You’re a good dog, aren’t you?

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Samson:

Enough talk! Prey like you has no right to mock a hunter! The stupid sheep is destined to fall into the wolf’s jaws! Defying orders is a death sentence—you and I both know that, especially after you stole the experimental subject!

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Narrator:

A, Riley nods, turns, and starts running toward the gun shop, but no runner can escape a wolf’s sight. Samson raises his hand, and Riley feels an invisible force grip her throat, like the bite of a wolf.

B, Riley snaps out of her terror, ready to flee as Ural instructed. But Samson raises his hand, and Riley feels an invisible force seize her throat, like a wolf’s jaws biting down.

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Samson:

Carrying stolen goods isn’t a good habit, Ugo, especially when they don’t belong to you.

Ural: Samson, let her go... I’ll only say this once.

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Narrator:

A, Riley’s vision begins to blur. She glimpses the human from earlier, who seems to nod at her before disappearing into the crowd.

B, Riley’s vision begins to blur. She catches the human from earlier staring at her with a strange smile, as if enjoying the situation.

 

Riley is struggling to breathe, her brain deprived of oxygen. She can’t wait any longer; she has to act.

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(Riley pulls out her gun and fires a quick succession of shots. Samson dodges the bullets, loosening his grip on her throat. Riley falls to the ground, gasping for air.)

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Samson:

Damn vermin! Kill the adults, but leave the kid alive!

​

(Enter battle scene. This is a scripted fight, where the player controls Riley, Ural, and other friendly units to fend off 8 armored soldiers. Friendly units can only deal physical damage.)

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Samson:

Filthy worms! You’re dead now!

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(Samson joins the battle as a hostile unit. He has five consecutive turns, and both his damage and accuracy dice automatically succeed, dealing magical and auxiliary physical damage. This battle is meant to result in the player’s defeat, as it’s part of the storyline.)

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(All friendly units are knocked down. Samson approaches Ural, placing his foot on her head.)

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Samson:

You’re old, Ugo. Sheep graze, wolves eat meat. Prey can never defeat the predator. That’s the law of nature.

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Riley:

Ural...

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Samson:

You’re not getting away either, you pale little worm, daring to shoot at me. Once I finish her off, I’ll tear off your limbs. The commander only needs you alive, not intact.

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Ural:

Samson, you have no idea what the consequences of that experiment are...

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Samson:

Ugo, a predator doesn’t care about the prey’s pleas for mercy.

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(Riley takes advantage of the situation and fires at Samson. He raises his hand and stops the bullet mid-air, flipping his palm to send the bullet flying back, striking Riley.)

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Ural:

You bastard!!!

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(Ural suddenly stands up, her entire body radiating a crimson glow, and Samson is thrown off his feet. Ural’s body grows larger, and her ram horns begin to twist and extend.)

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Narrator:

Goat are gentle creatures. In ancient times, they grazed, lived in herds, hunted, and enslaved. Yet, they also held another symbolism...

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Samson:

What the hell is this power?! What did they do to you in that experiment?

​

Narrator:

Long ago, various sorcerers and wizards gathered to prove the existence of “divinity” to defeat the emerging faction that relied on science and technology. They performed experiments on many, seeking to bestow them with “divinity,” but the gods did not respond to their calls. So, they turned to another being, one nearly as powerful as the gods—demons.

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(A rift tears open in front of Ural, and from it steps a shadowy figure—a red-skinned male demon with enormous horns protruding from his forehead. He is dressed in a simple suit, and with a snap of his fingers, everything around them freezes.)

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Demon:

Hold up! Ural! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Fifteen years and you’ve forgotten the rules?

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Ural:

I’d prefer never seeing you again, demon. Cut the crap, we’ve got an emergency here!

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Demon:

So cold, even to an old friend? If you want to borrow my power, you’ve got to offer me something in exchange, as per the usual rules. Besides, this fight isn’t going to be easy. You’ll have to give me something valuable.

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Ural:

Damn it… I’ll offer up the last of my humanity for your power. Help me kill Samson and protect the ones close to me!

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Demon:

Ural! You’ll live as a beast for the rest of your life. I don’t do refunds!

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Ural:

Just shut up. I won’t live past today anyway.

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Demon:

Deal! I’ll enjoy what’s left of your humanity. Farewell—oh wait, we probably won’t ever meet again, hehe...

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Narrator:

The demon extracts a thread of white light from Ural’s body, clutching it in his hand before retreating back into the rift.

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(Ural’s fur turns pitch black, her face changes from human to that of a ram, fangs grow from her mouth, claws sprout from her fingers, and a blood-red inverted pentagram appears on her forehead.)

 

Samson:

A demon! No wonder you slaughtered everyone and escaped the organization’s hunt fifteen years ago. So, you’re the failure of the “Divinity” experiment!

​

Narrator:

Ural picks up the fallen Riley, holding her close. As Riley’s consciousness begins to fade, she gazes at the twisted form of Ural. Despite the terrifying appearance, Riley doesn’t feel afraid. On the contrary, there’s a strange sense of familiarity—the aura surrounding Ural is one Riley remembers. Yes, she recalls it now. In her subconscious, she remembers that it was this demon-like Ural who first held her in her arms and broke her out of the cage fifteen years ago.

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Samson:

Well, I’ve never killed a demon before. I’ll admit, Ural, you’re no ordinary prey. Your head will make a fine trophy. Let’s hope you don’t revert to your original form when you die.

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Ural (Demon form):

Your fate is sealed.

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Narrator:

Riley feels the heat around her intensifying, as if wrapped in the flames of the inferno. Her blood feels like it’s boiling. Her breathing weakens, her heartbeat slows. She no longer has the strength to remain conscious, and her awareness drifts. The sounds of gunfire, explosions, magical roars, and enraged howls grow distant. Space thickens, and time begins to slow. Riley feels as though she’s being cast out of the flow of time...

​

(The screen darkens as the battle between Ural and Samson fades, with only Riley’s body remaining illuminated. In the darkness, countless eyes begin to appear, all staring at Riley. Two enormous eyes slowly emerge among them, fixing their gaze on Riley.)

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Giant Eyes:

The dead one…

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Eyes:

Dead… dead… dead…

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Giant Eyes:

The dead one… The dead one.

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Narrator: The voice of the giant eyes is like a deep, otherworldly prayer, while the chorus of eyes whispers chaotically, echoing the giant eyes. Riley awakens from the voices calling her name, but upon seeing the eerie sight before her, she is too scared to even breathe.

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Giant Eyes:

The time is not yet right.

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Riley:

What… what?

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Giant Eyes:

Someone has interfered with the timeline. Your existence is an error, and the error must be corrected.

 

Riley:

Who are you?

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Giant Eyes:

A child does not need to be aware of the giants’ presence, and a giant does not intrude upon a child’s playground.

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Riley:

Can you just send me back? I need to save her!

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Giant Eyes:

I only correct errors in the timeline. The error must be corrected for the timeline to be restored.

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Riley:

You can’t let her die—that’s also an error!

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Giant Eyes:

No new error detected. The error is about to expire. Correction is imminent.

​

(Cutscene begins)

​

Narrator:

Riley tries to speak again to the strange entity before her, but no sound comes out as she opens her mouth. She feels herself plummeting rapidly. The eyes remain fixed on her as she falls farther and farther away, memories flashing before her—her first awakening in an unfamiliar cage, Ural rescuing her, and her life in the camp. However, her birth remains a blank, as if she had appeared in this world out of nowhere.

​

(Riley’s body leaves an afterimage as she falls, the scene slowly transitioning from total darkness to the brighter images of the main world. Riley finds herself lying on a torn mattress beside some ruins.)

(Cutscene ends)

​

(Riley wakes up, getting up from the tattered mattress.)

​

Narrator:

Riley’s mind is blank. She has no idea where she is. Panicking, she checks the wound where Samson had struck her, but there’s no blood, no scar—nothing at all.

​

Riley:

Ural... I need to find Ural, I have to save her!

​

(Players take control of Riley as she moves toward the nearest task marker to investigate, eventually following the firelight to discover a crater-like site.)

​

Narrator:

Riley reaches the edge of a deep pit, where the dirt and plants still smolder with sparks and flesh. It’s clear that this crater was created recently. Riley peers down into the pit and sees a large figure kneeling at the bottom.

​

(Players move Riley toward the figure and interact with it.)

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Riley:

Ural?

​

Narrator:

The demonized ram-beast Ural is kneeling next to a body, its head a bloody, unrecognizable mess, though Riley can make out that it was once a wolf. Ural’s black fur is streaked with blood, indistinguishable whether it belongs to her or her enemies, her body covered in wounds.

​

Riley:

Ural...

​

Narrator:

Riley places her hands on Ural’s arm. Slowly, Ural turns her head to look at Riley. After confirming it’s Riley, Ural leans her head against her, exhaling gently. Riley strokes the large beast, realizing that the Ural before her is not the same as the one she’s grown up with. No longer human, Ural is now fully a beast.

​

Riley:

Ural... Can you still talk?

​

Narrator:

The ram-beast simply stares at her silently. As the wind blows across Riley’s face, she feels its coolness as her tears wash away the congealed blood. At this moment, Ural is nothing more than a giant demonized ram.

​

(At this point, a light begins to flicker on the corpse beside them. Riley moves to investigate.)

​

Narrator:

A brain-machine interface had been knocked loose during the battle, flashing with an incoming message. Riley pulls it out and plugs it into her portable decoder.

​

Communicator:

Incoming message from headquarters

sender anonymous: Commander Samson, confirm that the female ram-beast is the zero-number experimental subject.

Mission update: retrieve the subject of the “Demon’s Child” project. Retrieval of the zero-number subject, dead or alive. Return to Devilhunt City headquarters upon mission completion.

​

Riley:

Devilhunt City… Is that where I need to go…

​

(Cinematic cutscene begins)

​

Narrator: While Riley is lost in thought, a thunderous noise erupts again, and the rift reappears. This time, the shadowy figure from earlier steps out once more. The man who had been standing by Samson now looks visibly frustrated.

​

A Route:

​

Stranger:

Damn it, this is a mess…

​

Riley:

Whoa?! Who are you?

​

Stranger:

Calm down, kid. I’m an old friend of your ram mom.

​

Narrator:

The mysterious man snaps his fingers and immediately transforms into the same red demon who had spoken to Ural before.

​

Riley:

Ah! It’s you! Who are you exactly?

​

Demon:

How rude of me. Allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Lavalle—I’m a demon, and currently on vacation.

​

Narrator:

The demon bows, and as he lifts his head, he sees Riley staring at him with confusion, glancing between him and Ural.

​

Lavalle:

I’m sure your head is full of questions, but I can’t answer all of them. First of all, your ram mom made a deal with me a long time ago. The reason you’re even able to live like this is thanks to my powers. But now there’s a problem. She gave me the last of her humanity, and I granted her the strength to destroy your enemies. Yet here you are, your enemies reduced to a pile of mush, and my power hasn’t returned.

​

(The demon shrugs and walks toward the corpse.)

​

Riley:

So, that was you at Gosi’s kitchen too?

​

Lavalle:

Yep, I like to mess with some poor sap in a high position, disguise myself as them, and then ruin their life. Today, while I was playing with that officer, I just happened to end up here. Who would’ve guessed you and your mom would have escaped to live in this trash heap and drag me back from vacation to strike a deal? Fate really is funny, huh?

​

Riley:

Um… Can we not use your power anymore? Can you change Ural back?

​

Narrator:

The demon strolls slowly, squatting by the bloodied corpse, tilting his head as though considering her proposal.

​

Lavalle:

You’re too naïve. That’s not how it works. The power of a contract is unbreakable, not even by me. The only way the chains of a contract are lifted is when it’s fulfilled completely. And clearly, as we can both see, this pile of meat over here is dead as a doornail. So, where did things go wrong?

​

Narrator:

The demon begins rummaging through the corpse, suddenly discovering something amidst the tissue—a chip, inscribed with small writing.

​

Chip:

Clone Code: CS-12. Self-destruct in case of anomalies.

​

(Lavalle suddenly stands up and walks toward Riley.)

​

Lavalle:

Alright! Get up! We’ve got work to do! It looks like my vacation is on hold for the time being!

​

Riley:

Why should I trust you?

​

Lavalle:

Then go ahead and sit here with your ram mom for the rest of your life! Do you have a better plan? Hm? No, I don’t think so! So, here’s the deal—get to this guy’s headquarters, chop his head off, complete the contract, and you’ll go back to your regular lives. It’s a win-win!

​

Narrator:

Riley stands speechless. She knows that whether she wants to or not, she has no choice but to trust this demon for now.

​

Riley:

Fine… we’ll go.

​

Lavalle:

Great! But first, I’ve got to give you a boost. You’re way too scrawny to survive in Devilhunt City. But remember, my power doesn’t come for free. Hold out your hand! It won’t hurt… much!

​

Narrator:

Riley extends her right hand, and Lavalle traces a symbol onto it. A sharp, burning pain shoots through her. She watches as a flame-lit rune is branded into the back of her hand.

​

Lavalle:

This is a magic pact, connecting you to me. In return, it’ll give you a bit of my power. Deals with demons are always fair. Now, let’s get moving! chop, chop!

​

Narrator:

Riley rises, signaling Ural to follow her. Without needing much urging, the giant ram stands and walks alongside her, silently watching Riley, as if to say she will always follow. Together, they set off on a new journey, following the demon.

​

B Route:

Stranger:

What’s going on here? What’s wrong with her? I gave her my power—why hasn’t it come back to me?!

 

Riley:

Whoa?! Who are you?

​

Stranger:

Who am I? I’m a demon! I’m Lavalle!

​

Narrator:

The mysterious man snaps his fingers and immediately transforms into the same red demon who had spoken to Ural before.

​

Riley:

Ugh? Why is it you? What do you want?

​

Lavalle:

You idiot! I killed your enemies and kept you alive! The contract should be completed, so why hasn’t it ended? I should’ve let that wolf choke you to death!

​

Riley:

Are you here to help your master take revenge?

​

Narrator:

Riley struggles to stand up, taking a fighting stance against the figure in front of her. Lavalle, unfazed, stomps on the corpse’s head, crushing it further, then turns to glare at her.

​

Lavalle:

Listen, kid. I don’t care if this guy’s dead or alive. I don’t even know him. Today I was just fooling around, pretending to be someone important, messing with his life. Who could’ve known your ram mom would be here too, dragging me into this whole mess? I was supposed to be enjoying my fine dining, but fate sure has its tricks.

​

Riley:

Why do you do this? Were you the one I saw in the kitchen earlier?

​

Lavalle:

Do you really need to know? It’s my hobby. Watching your kind scurry around, driven by greed and desire, is amusing to me. And by the way, this hobby is pretty common among demons, so don’t judge me by your standards!

​

Narrator:

Lavalle flicks off bits of flesh from his shoe in disgust, but his attention is drawn to a glowing object—an electronic chip. He bends down and picks it up. The chip reads:

​

Chip:

Clone Code: CS-12. Self-destruct in case of anomalies.

​

(The demon lets out a long sigh and crushes the chip in his hand before it detonates.)

​

Lavalle:

I should’ve known. This guy wasn’t the real thing—just a damn clone!

​

Narrator:

Lavalle grabs Riley off the ground, but Ural, seeing this, punches the demon, sending him flying a few meters. Lavalle stumbles to his feet.

​

Lavalle:

You dare use my power against me?! You little brat! You and your ram mom are going to Devilhunt City to kill that wolf!

​

Riley:

Why should we help you? You gave us the power—it’s ours now! We wanderers follow one rule: once it’s in our hands, it’s ours to keep!

​

Lavalle:

Don’t be so quick to refuse, kid. Your ram mom’s been using my power for a long time. The fact that you’re even alive is thanks to me! I’m being nice here, negotiating with you. Don’t you want Ural to return to her original form?

​

Narrator:

Riley hesitates. She knows that this cunning demon holds the key to restoring Ural. Lavalle’s eyes glint with mischievousness, and Riley can tell he’s up to something, but she has no choice. She’ll have to strike a deal with the demon.

​

Lavalle:

Listen carefully, kid. Help me finish this, and I promise Ural will return to how she was. Let’s make a deal—you help me, I help you. Deals with demons are always fair!

​

Riley:

Alright. We’ll help you kill Samson, but you must return everything you took from Ural. Everything!

​

Lavalle:

Yes, yes, everything—including her humanity. You’re quite the negotiator for a little squirt. But I’ll agree to your terms.

​

(Riley nods in agreement.)

​

Lavalle:

Good! Deal sealed! As a token of our first transaction, I’ll leave you a little keepsake. Hold out your hand!

​

Narrator:

Riley extends her right hand, and the demon traces a pattern onto it. She instantly feels excruciating pain, as though she’s being sliced, burned, and corroded all at once. She screams in agony as a fiery rune is branded onto her hand.

​

(Ural roars and charges at Lavalle, but the demon swiftly vanishes into a rift, reappearing behind them.)

​

Lavalle:

This is a magic pact. It’ll let me keep an eye on you in case you try to run. In return, it gives you a little of my power. I told you—deals with demons are always fair. Now, go finish the job, or the pain will only get worse. See you soon, kid.

​

(The demon vanishes back into the rift.)

​

Narrator:

Riley’s mind is a whirlwind. She rises, grabbing Ural’s arm, signaling her to follow. The giant ram follows without hesitation, silently watching Riley, as if to say she’ll follow wherever she goes.

​

(The scene follows Riley and Ural’s direction, focusing on the distant, brightly lit city. This is a good moment to reveal the game’s title and logo.)

​

(Cinematic cutscene ends)